Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

Posted on 11/15/2013
by
NFPA Public Education Division and Mike King

November and the slight chill that ushers in the season of thanks also is the official start of the holiday cooking and eating season. Chicken stews over an outside fire, turkeys roasting in an oven or deep fried in a deep fat fryer, baked goods, homemade goodies and families coming together are all a part of this time of year. The fire marshal's office wants everyone to have a happy, blessed and safe holiday season when cooking and entertaining. Remember these points when preparing, cooking, serving, eating and of course, resting after those wonderful meals, snacks and in betweens this season:

Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.

Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.